The lazy man gives in to want, and the righteous man wants to give.
The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. (Proverbs 21:5, 17NKJV)
Diligence requires self-control and patience. We need the fruits of the Holy Spirit to be diligent, that our plans would surely lead to plenty. Step after step must be taken; there are no shortcuts. In fact, shortcuts may very well be perilous. There are no shortcuts even to pleasure,contrary to what the devil wants us to believe.
Even right now, I struggle with this. But I thank God for always being there, ever faithful, mighty to save those who call on His Name. Thank God for these times.
These are trying times, indeed; however, these are also the most exciting times of our lives. When crisis is present, faith abounds; an opportunity to complain is also an opportunity to call upon the Name of Jesus Christ and to behold the glory of The Lord working in our lives.
When temptation attempts to overtake us, let us not concentrate on resisting it more than we keep our eyes on The Lord. When the devil tries to convince us to sin, let us focus on the fact that we are righteous by the blood of Jesus Christ, able to function in excellence by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, for the glory of God!
Indeed, I will not deny that even up until now I am tempted. However, I will keep stepping forward in faith, knowing that God's strength is always made perfect in my weakness.
Thank God for His Spirit which continues to convict us of the righteousness (the self-control, the patience, the diligence) we are able to exhibit and stand upon in Christ Jesus.
My friends, let us strive to be diligent, even in these last hours... Time is running out, and Jesus Christ is coming soon...
God bless us all.
